L&I Newsletter - March 2022

Education

L&I information sessions

Space is still available. The Department of Licenses and Inspections is offering regular information sessions to assist stakeholders in navigating L&I processes and keeping abreast of code changes. A list of current offerings is provided below. Customers can also sign-up for this and future webinars under the “Events” section of the L&I homepage (www.phila.gov/li).

  • L&I eCLIPSE Q&A session - The Department of L&I will be hosting a 90-minute open Q&A session to address specific permit application questions for users with some experience using eCLIPSE. This session will be held from 9:30 am - 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.

  • L&I eCLIPSE permitting and licensing basics webinar - The Department of L&I will conduct a 2-hour public training session on the basics of fling license and permit applications through the online eCLIPSE system. This webinar is an introductory session intended for new users. This session will be held from 9:00am - 11:00am on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 via Zoom. Please register if you are interested in attending this information session.

Note: Capacity is limited and, in order to accommodate all stakeholders, we ask that you only register if you plan on attending the session and, if your circumstances change, please cancel your registration.


L&I webinar slides

The Department of Licenses and Inspections present various webinars throughout the year and these slides are posted on the L&I website. You can access the most recent webinar slides in the "webinars" section located on the "resources" tab. The following slides were recently added to the website:

  • On March 15, 2022, L&I presented an overview of the significant changes between the 2015 and 2018 International Residential Code. The slides from this presentation is now available on the website. For additional information about the significant changes of the 2018 IRC, please refer to the following resources:



  • On March 17, 2022, L&I provided an overview of the Fire Suppression worker and apprentice requirements including a discussion on the 10 most common installation errors in Fire Suppression Systems in Philadelphia. The slides from this presentation is now available on the website.
Licensing

New excavation contractor license requirements

Effective January 1, 2023, persons or businesses that perform or offer to perform excavation services will require an excavation contractor license and a separate excavation permit in accordance with Bill No. 210389. The excavation contractor license will require proof of OSHA training, $2,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance and a bond in the amount of $100,000. 

Contractors can apply for this license in eCLIPSE beginning September 2022. More information on the license and permitting requirements will be available in future newsletters.

Inspections / Enforcement

Fire suppression worker (specialty) license

All individuals performing testing or inspection on a water-based fire-protection system are now required to possess a Fire Suppression Worker (Specialty) license.

  • This does not apply to new installations. A licensed Fire Suppression System Worker may continue to perform this work under a fire suppression permit and complete related certifications.

  • Licensed apprentices may continue to perform testing or inspection under the supervision of a licensed individual.

Inspections initiated prior to March 15 may continue, including correction of noted deficiencies.

Effective July 1, 2022, the individual completing testing and inspection must be identified when uploading annual certifications to eCLIPSE and proper licensure will be validated. Please visit our website for more information on the Fire Suppression Worker (Specialty) License.


Reminders

Limited lodging (short-term rental) requirements

Effective April 1, 2022, the following licenses will be required to offer your home as a limited lodging rental in Philadelphia:

  • Limited Lodging Operator License  – This license is required to rent your primary residence or a room within your primary residence for periods of less than 30 consecutive days or less. This license applies to property owners and eligible tenants.

  • Limited Lodging and Hotels Booking Agent  – This license is required to make reservations or collect payment for hotel accommodations, including limited lodging, on behalf of or for an operator. This license applies to companies that make reservations or collect payment for guest accommodations in residential properties and/or hotels.

You can now apply for theses licenses at eCLIPSE.phila.gov. For more information on the upcoming license changes, refer to Bill No. 210081. For more information on the permit and license requirements, refer to the recently updated short-term rental FAQ .


Commercial leasing notice 

All commercial property owners must provide potential commercial lessees with the Commercial Leasing Notice upon seven (7) days of signing a lease. Upon receipt of the Commercial Leasing Notice, both the owner and the potential lessee must sign and date the confirmation pages.

Refer to Bill No. 210917 for more information on the requirements for leasing of commercial properties and penalties for non-compliance. 


New effective date on plastic bag enforcement

Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban went into effect on October 1, 2021, prohibiting retail establishments from providing single-use plastic and paper bags that do not meet certain requirements. Businesses that were non-complaint were given written warnings.

Starting July 1, 2022 businesses that remain in violation of this requirement will be issued Site Violation Notices that carry a minimum penalty of $150.
 
Each violation of the ordinance is subject to a separate fine. If businesses repeatedly or egregiously violate the ordinance, the City may take them to court and ask the judge to impose additional penalties.
Back issues of the L&I Newsletters are available on the L&I website under Resources.